Median rent is 9% lower in Boston ($2,147/mo vs $2,352/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boston, where the median home runs $731,700 versus $755,200. Households earn more in Folsom ($139,804 vs $97,344 a year). Taken together, Folsom is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.1 against 110.4 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Folsom, CA.
Quick verdict
Folsom is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.1 in Folsom vs 110.4 in Boston (US average = 100)
City A
Boston, MA
City B
Folsom, CA
How much would you need to earn in Folsom, CA to maintain your standard of living from Boston, MA?
Equivalent salary in Folsom, CA
$74,115
You could earn $885 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boston
Massachusetts
Folsom
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Boston at $2,147/mo compared to $2,352/mo in Folsom (9% gap). Median home values are within 3% of each other: $731,700 in Boston and $755,200 in Folsom.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Boston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Folsom
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Boston (avg AQI 31.0) but not yet for Folsom.
Pick Folsom if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,804/yr).
Is Boston cheaper than Folsom?
Folsom is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.1 versus 110.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Folsom.
How much is rent in Boston vs Folsom?
Median rent is $2,147/mo in Boston, MA and $2,352/mo in Folsom, CA. Boston, MA has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Boston or Folsom?
Median household income is $97,344 in Boston, MA and $139,804 in Folsom, CA. Folsom, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boston or Folsom?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Folsom to match my Boston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boston, MA is equivalent to roughly $98,821 in Folsom, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
